Interrupted aortic arch

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Interrupted aortic arch
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 Q25.2 (EUROCAT)
ICD-9 747.11
eMedicine ped/2515 

Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect in which the aorta is not completely developed. There is a gap between the ascending and descending thoracic aorta. Almost all patients also have other cardiac anomalies.

[edit] Diagnosis

It can be diagnosed with an echocardiogram.

[edit] Treatment

Treatment consists of open heart surgery soon after birth. Awaiting surgery, prostaglandin can be administered to keep the ductus arteriosus open, thereby allowing blood flow to the lower body.

[edit] External links